Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Born:
- March 15, 1933, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Died:
- September 18, 2020, Washington, D.C., USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Jurist, Lawyer, Professor
Early Life and Education
- Born Joan Ruth Bader to Jewish immigrant parents in Brooklyn, New York.
- Graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Cornell University in 1954.
- Married Martin D. Ginsburg in 1954.
- Attended Harvard Law School, transferring to Columbia Law School where she graduated tied for first in her class in 1959.
Career and Major Achievements
- Faced gender discrimination in her early career, hindering employment opportunities despite her exceptional academic record.
- Became a professor at Rutgers Law School in 1963.
- Served as a professor at Columbia Law School from 1972 to 1980, becoming the first tenured female professor.
- Co-founded the Women's Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 1972, arguing landmark gender equality cases before the Supreme Court.
- Appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit by President Jimmy Carter in 1980.
- Nominated to the Supreme Court of the United States by President Bill Clinton in 1993 and confirmed overwhelmingly by the Senate.
Notable Works
While many sources highlight "My Own Words" as a significant publication, her legal briefs and opinions as a Supreme Court Justice represent her most impactful work. Many of the most compelling entries in "top biographies 2020" focused heavily on her legal arguments.
Legacy and Impact
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a pioneering advocate for gender equality and a celebrated Supreme Court Justice. Her legal work and judicial opinions profoundly shaped American law and society, inspiring generations of lawyers and activists. She became a cultural icon, affectionately known as "RBG," for her sharp intellect and unwavering commitment to justice.